Cape Town sets new e-bike rules to enhance safety on Sea Point Promenade

The City of Cape Town is cracking down on electric mobility devices along the Sea Point Promenade following mounting safety concerns over reckless riding.

Under the new regulations announced on August 7, officials have set clear boundaries and strict penalties for non-compliant riders.

Operators of electric devices must adhere to a strict speed limit of 8km/h in all shared pedestrian areas. The City has unequivocally established that pedestrians hold the right of way at all times.

Mayco member for community services and health, councillor Francine Higham, said the promenade functioned as a pedestrian recreational space.

"The Sea Point Promenade is one of Cape Town’s most loved public spaces, but it has also become one of our busiest," Higham said.

"As the number of electric mobility devices has grown, so have safety concerns. Our responsibility is to ensure that everyone, particularly children, older persons, and people with disabilities, can enjoy the Promenade safely."

The City's recreation and parks department is finalising the conditions of new signage systems outlining the 8km/h speed limits and drop-off zones by the end of August.

By September, the City will enforce a formal compliance process aimed directly at commercial fleets.

Rental businesses must ensure their devices are fitted with verifiable speed controls and clear operator identification.

The City also requires operators to implement responsible rental practices, establish incident reporting protocols, and carry comprehensive public liability insurance.

Operators who continue to use the promenade without formal permission must comply within a specified timeframe or face immediate enforcement action.

The City is also finalising technical requirements for high-powered electric rental devices, imposing strict limits on weight, passenger capacity, and maximum speed.

Officials will soon evaluate whether to cap the total number and location of rental operators to mitigate congestion along the busiest stretches of the Atlantic seaboard.